tube upgrade for first sound

This thread is an absolute fountain of priceless info!!! Oldpet, could you tell us what are the two tube preamps you examined then discarded on your way to audio Nirvana with the First Sound. And where did these preamps fall short?

Guidocorona
Before I answer you, I just wanted to thank you for asking Emmanuel about the Hot Rod First Sound units. :-)

I decided to work my way up the price ladder. Keeping in mind the caveat of DC leakage.

The first stop along the way was the Tube Audio Designs "TAD-150" By Paul Gzrybek at Bizzy Bee. Paul is a gem to work with. We shipped the preamp back and forth 3 times for various tweaking. The first TAD-150 was completely stock. After the first go round the unit then became one of Paul's "signature" preamps. The 'stock' pre simply didn't have enough weight or depth for my taste. Especially in the bass dept. When the preamp was tweaked into the 'signature' series, the bass was greatly improved but, still just not enough weight for me. Keep in mind this preamp only costs $700! I would say that for many people this preamp could stop their search, right then and there. Needles to say. I ended up sending it back to Paul for my refund.

Next up was the SAS 10A by Steve Sammet. ($1995) A really outstanding Preamp. Dual mono in its construction etc. But, it was noisy in my system. The bass was just a small bit light from what I am accustomed to. I think if it had been quiet however, I could have stayed with it. But i thought - why compromise at this point? Back it went for the refund.

Both the TAD-150 and the SAS 10A did a beautiful job with vocals and staging.

Both Steve and Paul were easy to work with. They were fast with getting my refund back to me. Their business model is one I wish more Agon dealers would adopt - REFUND if you are not happy with their product.

So here I am, awaiting the arrival of hopefuly my last preamp - EVER! :-) This "trial" is MUCH more risky though, as I am NOT able to return it for a refund. :-( On the positive side - I think I've read only one, mildly negative comment, from someone who auditioned a F.S. and didn't find it to be his cup of tea. I basically purchased this pre based on reviews (professional) and threads I've read.

If this isn't the one - then a very new F.S. Presence Deluxe II will be on the 'GoN for a true tube lover.

Wish me luck. sorry for the long winded answer. :-)

Paul

Sorry to get off topic, but I am considering a FS pre to go with my Exemplar 3910-Joule VSN-80- Merlin VSM-MM rig. right now I am using a Supratek Syrah. any comments from yuse guys ?

Oldpet, your answer was exactly what I was looking for. Will you be getting a hotrodded FS or a standard configuration? If I order one I will more than likely source a hotrod version which will maximize the audible benefits of its minimalist design.

Guidocorona
I'll be getting the standard configuration. Hoping it's here this week! When Emmanuel first emailed me he seemed genuinely excited that I would be pairing the FS with my Krell. The first review I read, (Sounstage) was based on the standard, Presence Deluxe MkII, also. If this preamp sounds like the things I've read...that'll be 'Hot' enough for me. :-) Please let us all know what the hotrodded model is like.

Paul